Farm Bureau at work California Farm Bureau’s government affairs team is at the Capitol, advocating for farmers, ranchers and agriculture’s future. Here are some key issues Farm Bureau is focused on this week.
Grazing The California State Water Resources Control Board heard an update from staff about livestock grazing management ac- tivities related to water quality since 2015, which is when the board chose to discon- tinue its effort to establish statewide graz- ing regulations. As the state began pursuing its Grazing Regulatory Action Program in 2014, California Farm Bureau engaged with board staff, explaining that a statewide regulatory program was inappropriate for managing water quality impacts in live- stock grazing areas. The board directed nine regional state water quality control boards to work with landowners, stake- holders and the University of California Cooperative Extension to develop locally appropriate plans to protect water quality. Last week’s update covered permit de- velopment activities by regional boards and efforts by water board staff to up- date the 1995 Rangeland Water Quality Management Plan. Farm Bureau provided comments at the session. Board members asked questions of public commentors, and members suggested that water quality monitor- ing and data collection procedures be established. State board staff is prepar- ing an update to the 1995 Rangeland Water Quality Management Plan as a nonregulatory guidance document for the regional boards and ranching and livestock communities. Draft guidelines are expected to be re- leased within 30 to 60 days. Farm Bureau staff will remain engaged in the process. Wildfire Prevention California Farm Bureau staff last week monitored a fire mitigation hearing as the state Assembly Select Committee on Wildfire Prevention met at California State University, Sonoma. Frank Bigelow, assistant deputy direc- tor for Cal Fire’s wildfire preparedness and mitigation division, discussed the Wildfire and Forest Resilience Task Force’s home-hardening strategies. He added that Cal Fire departments meet monthly to strategize on wildfire prevention goals. Cal Fire updated its fire hazard sever- ity zone maps using factors such as fire history, vegetation, topography, climate, and ember production and movement. In high and very high danger zones, hazard disclosures for real estate transactions are required in state and local fire responsi- bility areas. Mike Peterson of the California Department of Insurance spoke about re- ducing wildfire risk and the connection between wildfire mitigation efforts and in- surance property rates. Peterson outlined the state’s Safer from Wildfires program, which looks to reduce rates for homeown- ers who undertake steps to limit fire risks. John Anderson of Humboldt Redwood Company, which manages more than 440,000 acres of forestland, shared a historical perspective on forest density, which was long controlled through Native
certification of commercial and private pesticide applicators. The action im- proves competency standards for certi- fied applicators using California restricted materials. The regulations govern devel- opment of continuing education courses required for pesticide applicator licenses, certificate renewals and supervision of noncertified applicators.
American burning and naturally occur- ring fire. At the start of the 20th century, he noted, there was an average of 50 trees per acre. Today, there are 300 to 400 trees per acre. This creates overstocking and competition among trees, compounded by drought, such that California now has millions of dead and dying trees. Anderson said $200 million in annual
spending would cover transportation costs to reach 500,000 acres of forest for thinning. He said the efforts could pro- duce biomass for energy production. Pesticides The California Department of Pesticide Regulation approved regulations updat- ing certification and training, which affect
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T he 2024 election is right around the corner. Join California Farm Bureau for a day on the basics of running for office. This nonpartisan seminar will also cover how to engage elected officials at every level and successfully make your voice heard.
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TIMES AND LOCATION Date: Thursday, September 7, 2023 Breakfast: 8:00 AM Program: 8:30 AM-4:00 PM Location: Orange County Farm Bureau 7601 Irvine Blvd, Irvine, CA 92618 At the South Coast Research and Extension Center There is no charge to attend RSVP Required: Steven Fenaroli, sfenaroli@cfbf.com
TOPICS INCLUDE: Working with a Consultant
Optimizing the Ground Game Supercharge Your Fundraising Latino Engagement Engaging Your County Farm Bureau Digital and Traditional Media: How to be Effective
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Building Relationships and Making Your Voice Heard
Creating Diverse and Lasting Partnerships
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July 26, 2023 Ag Alert 17
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